Chicago and jazz are like peanut butter and jelly: They’re well known on their own, but together they make history. On Sundays, you can travel from the North Side to the South Side to get an eclectic taste of jazz.
1 p.m.: Start north and peruse the rows of CDs at Dr. Wax (1121 W. Berwyn Ave.; 773-784-3333), where the list of jazz artists range from the contemporary (the Rippingtons, Sonny Rollins, Al Jarreau) to the less mainstream (Sun Ra, Sadao Watanabe, King Oliver). Though it has a good jazz selection, Dr. Wax is not just a jazz shop. Its CD and vinyl lineup includes pop, rock, electronica, hip-hop and blues.
The piece de resistance: a free parking lot adjacent to the store.
An hour of browsing: Free
3 p.m.: In the Loop, Bistro 110 (110 E. Pearson St.; 312-266-3110) turns into a family gathering place during its Sunday jazz brunch. Executive chef Dominique Tougne gives American favorites a French flair while the Grady Johnson Trio plays New Orleans-style jazz tableside.
Brunch for two: $34.59.
6 p.m.: On the South Side, in the cozy confines of the Family Den Lounge (8940 S. Stony Island Ave.; 773-734-8545), Crosswinds is snuggled into a small corner of this neighborhood hangout. The six-piece band, lead by percussionist Greg Penn, produces an enormously hot mix of Latin jazz and fusion for three sets–and local favorites have been known to stop by for guest appearances. The cocktail lounge’s mature regulars are a close-knit group, but newcomers are treated like family.
Drinks for two: $8.
GRAND TOTAL: $42.59
